August 30, 2026 (age 69)
Stephen Paul “Steve” Ziegler (75) passed away at Camellia Place in the Summer Bridge community in Auburn on August 30, 2026. Steve was born at the API Infirmary in 1951, and lived in Auburn all of his life. He was the son of Dr. Paul F. Ziegler and Evelyn A. Ziegler.
As a child, Steve was always fascinated/obsessed with cars of any sort. After graduating from Auburn High School in 1969, Steve attended Alex City Junior College for one semester, and subsequently received certification in engine repair through the Auto & Diesel College of Nashville in 1971. He then went to work in the Parts Department at Fuller Ford in Opelika, and later worked as the Parts Department manager at Tiger Motors in Auburn for many years. In 2000, Steve left the automobile business to open his own store (HobbyTown USA) in Flints’s Crossing. This move was fueled by his life-long love of model construction, remote-control vehicles generally, and his desire to make certain that others in the area with similar interests had a convenient resource for parts and repairs. Steve was an enthusiastic member of the Auburn Plainsman RC Flying Club, and spent many hours with friends and customers at their flying field. He also obtained his pilot’s license and flew small private aircraft for a period of time. Steve also owned Ziegler Properties, through which he purchased and rented multiple homes in the area. Steve was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Auburn, and served as an elder there. He was an avid fan of AU football, the Atlanta Braves, Fox News, and banana bread with coffee for breakfast.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Evie Ziegler, and is survived by his only sibling, Dr. Joan Z. Kerr of Huntsville, AL, two nephews (Timothy Kerr and Joel Kerr), and his grand-nephew (Jett Wesley Kerr). The family would also like to include Matt and Kristy Morgan, as they were as much like his children as anyone could be, and were of immense help to Steve and his sister always. Finally, the family wants to thank the staff at Camellia Place for the loving care they provided Steve over the past year, and especially Chloe Guy, his nurse’s assistant and friend, who went above and beyond to nurture him there.
A family graveside service will be held, although no date has yet been determined. Memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Auburn or to a charity of one’s choice.
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